PARAMARIBO, Suriname, President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi has returned home after attending the inauguration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and re-emphasizing Suriname’s desire for a closer relationship with its neighbor.
Santoshi was among leaders and representatives from more than 40 countries who attended the inauguration of President Lula da Silva. He later held talks with several heads of state from the region.
Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Minister Albert Ramdin, who was part of the delegation, said that President Santokhi at the inauguration was essential and sent a strong message regarding the ongoing relationship between the two countries.
“We have built a perfect relationship with Brazil over the past two years, albeit under a different president. But we want to continue that,” Ramdin told the state-owned Suriname Communications Service (SCS).
Ramdin said it is not only about business interests but also for political reasons, given that Brazil has the seventh largest economy in the world.
He said Paramaribo has taken into account the fact that there is a lot of potential in the ongoing cooperation between Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. In that context, talks were held with various officials there, including with Ramdin’s Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira.
The SCS said President Santokhi also took the opportunity to discuss with colleagues from the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Arab countries.
Ramdin said it was essential for Santokhi to hear the speech of President Lula da Silva regarding his policies because there are many expectations in terms of climate change as well as Brazil’s foreign policy.
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